(Untitled)

[mmquitecontrary]

Mary Lennox was . . . not, perhaps, in the best mood when she headed towards Milliways today.

But then she did enter Milliways.

And it was full of creatures.As far as Mary is concerned, the only thing better would be if the walls and tables had suddenly sprouted flowers. She sits down at a table, very still and quiet so as not to frighten any of

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[cutting_edgex23]

There is an older girl at a nearby table.

She does not appear so pleased as Mary.

In fact, if Mary saw the girl slip in from the back door and make her way to her current position, she doubtless saw her carefully skirting anything that was not human-sized, shaped, and sturdy looking.

X does not intend to break anyone today.

And at the moment she is studying Mary's expression with some degree of interest.

Delight is not something she sees all that often.

[mmquitecontrary]

X, being person-shaped, is automatically a great deal less interesting than the animals, so it takes a few moments for Mary to notice her presence at all. When she does, though, she frowns a little - usually it's Mary doing the intent studying, not the other way around.

"I do not know you," she says. Clarifying.

[cutting_edgex23]

X considers that statement.

Then she considers Mary.

Then she speaks, offering a one-shouldered shrug.

"No."

[mmquitecontrary]

"You were looking at me."

If Mary were in a worse mood right now, she would probably point out that it was rude to stare; fortunately, the animals have cheered her up enough that she leaves it alone for now.

"Why?"

[explorertruman]

Here's one of those animals now. Namely a golden retriever coming over to say hello, big grin, and tail wagging. Because a kid! Kids are great, kids give treats, lots of pets and cuddles. And kids play puppy games.

[mmquitecontrary]

Mary's face brightens as the dog approaches.

She stays very still - she doesn't know much about dogs; the area around Misselthwaite is oddly lacking in them - but she holds out her hand for the dog to sniff, if he wants, and says, seriously, "Good evening."

[explorertruman]

The dog came over, sniffed, and then gave a friendly lick. Hope she doesn't mind doggie spit.

There was also a bark, and a Hello! But assuming like most people, she can't understand animals.

He then sat down on his haunches in front of her, still grinning, and wagging his tail. Puppy eyes for attention like 'pet pls?' or 'food pls?' or 'play pls?' Or all three, though maybe not at the same time.

[mmquitecontrary]

Not in words, at least, although Dickon has taught her a little bit about understanding animals through the way they move.

Animal spit is something she doesn't in the least mind. In fact, she even laughs a little, short and surprised.

"I had read that dogs are very friendly," she says, "but I have never met one before. If you were Puss or Angel that would mean you wanted me to pet you; is that what you should like?"

[mmquitecontrary]

Mary's head jerks around.

"Was that you?" she says, startled, and then, eyes widening, "Can you speak Human?"

Mary is always very impressed by creatures that take the time to learn to speak Human. It seems such a difficult enterprise.

[mmquitecontrary]

The eyes look familiar.

The voice sounds familiar, too. But . . .

"I do not know any wolves," Mary says, warily. "Except Galadan and Jason, and you are not either of them."

[aggro_speed]

Happy people get Brian's attention, although still and quiet do not, so much.

Still, she's a little girl, she looks happy, and Brian is delighted to spend his time with nice people in the bar. He's possessed of unusually simple nature right now.

So he veers politely to greet her. He's only been a dog for a few days, and he's still managed to wear his nails down to silence on the hard floor. But his waving tail announces his presence. It's a semaphore of happiness!

Or something.

[mmquitecontrary]

Mary is fairly sure, from what she's read, that wagging tails mean happiness in dogs. (It's confusing, because in cats, they mean they're about to pounce or they're unhappy about something - and Mary has rather more experience with cats and dogs.)

However: happy dog! Mary holds out a hand, hopefully, for the dog's inspection.

[aggro_speed]

It's a hand! Right here in the bar! Brian is pleased with his discovery. He investigates it from above and below, sniffing, and then shoves his head under it.

Clearly, he is to be petted.

[mmquitecontrary]

Mary is down with this. Petting commences, now that they have been formally introduced (in what Mary considers to be dog terms.) However, to cover all her bases: "I am Mary," she says to the dog. "Have you a name?"

If there is no response, he will shortly be awarded one!